China urged to respect Taiwan's democracy

2017/03/15 22:56:45

Taipei, March 15 (CNA) Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) called China on Wednesday to respect Taiwan's democracy and recognize the reality of its existence, so as to facilitate the development of constructive cross-strait relations.

The MAC made the call in a statement issued in response to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's reiteration of the "One China" principle at a press conference in Beijing at the end of the annual session of the National People's Congress.

"It is an established policy of the government since it took office on May 20 last year to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," the MAC said in its statement.

That policy will not be shaken no matter how the situation changes, the MAC said.

Mainland China should face the reality of differences in the development of the political regimes on each side of the Taiwan Strait, the MAC said.

China should also recognize and respect the existence of Taiwan's democracy and the core values of its administration, which are based on public opinion, the MAC said.

Only when China can do this will cross-strait ties be able to develop in a constructive manner, the MAC said.